Hi, I'm Dr. Ronya Livingston.
A Little About Me:
Well...this feels a little weird. I'm much more comfortable asking questions than answering them, but I also know how important it is to feel like you know the person you're trusting.
So, here's a little about me.
Why I Became a Psychologist:
People ask me why I became a psychologist. Honestly, some days I ask myself the same thing. But when I really think about it, it always comes down to two things...I love hearing people's stories, and I'm endlessly curious about the "why." I'm fascinated by the experiences people have, the challenges they've faced, and, most of all, how they continue moving forward in life. Every person has a story, and no two are ever the same. If we work together, you'll probably notice that I'm naturally curious. I'll ask questions you may not have considered—not because I'm trying to catch you off guard, but because understanding your story from different angles often helps me discover things that were hard to see before. I want to help make the world suffer just a little less. Listening, understanding, and helping people make sense of their experiences is my way of doing that. If I can help even one person feel more understood or more hopeful, then I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be. I also love to educate when it's helpful. Sometimes understanding why we think, feel, or behave a certain way can be incredibly empowering.
More Than My Credentials:
When I'm not working, you'll usually find me with my family, laughing at something ridiculous my kids said, or trying to keep up with the never-ending adventure that is parenting. Some days it's the best job in the world...and some days it's just plain hard. Both can be true. I'm also a wife, daughter, sister, cat mom, proud elder millennial, and friend. Outside of work, you'll probably find me listening to an autobiography, watching a documentary, or, if I'm being completely honest... getting way too invested in reality TV. (We all need balance, right?) I'm practical, down-to-earth, and realistic. I have a dry sense of humor, and while I'm not especially sentimental myself, I genuinely appreciate people who are. I believe laughter belongs in therapy when the moment calls for it. One of the things I enjoy most is seeing people realize they're capable of more than they thought. I'm especially passionate about helping women recognize their strengths, trust themselves, and create lives that reflect what they want—not what everyone else expects of them.
How I View Therapy:
Let's be honest... therapy can feel intimidating. You're supposed to sit down with someone you've never met and somehow start talking about the parts of your life you've probably kept hidden from most people. I've been in therapy myself (and still am), so I understand just how vulnerable that can feel. When you find a therapist you genuinely connect with, it's a little magical. That's exactly what I hope to create. For me, the relationship always comes first. Nobody is going to open up if they don't feel safe, welcomed, and free from judgment. During our first few sessions, my goal is simple: I want to get to know you. I want to understand your story, your strengths, what has worked, what hasn't, and what you hope will be different. Once I know you better, I'm not afraid to gently challenge you when I think you're ready. Growth looks different for everyone. Some people respond to humor, some appreciate a more direct approach, and others need space to arrive at their own conclusions. Part of my job is figuring out what works best for you. Therapy isn't about following a script. It's about meeting you where you are while helping you move toward where you want to be.
What You Can Expect:
One of the best parts of being a psychologist is getting to know people beyond the surface. There's no "right way" to show up in therapy. You don't have to know exactly what to say, have everything figured out, or worry about saying the "wrong" thing. We'll figure it out together. You'll see me smile with you, sit with you in difficult moments, and celebrate your victories—big and small. I'll ask thoughtful questions because I'm always trying to understand your world as fully as possible. I enjoy helping people recognize patterns, make connections they may not have noticed before, and discover practical ways to move forward. My hope is that you'll leave each appointment feeling like you gained something—whether that's a new perspective, a practical tool, or simply the relief of feeling truly heard.
Above all else, I want you to know this:
I'm on your team.
Whether we're celebrating progress, working through something painful, or trying to make sense of a difficult season, you'll have someone who genuinely wants the best for you.
A Few Fun Facts:
I'm 5'2", which means just about everyone is taller than me.
Nobody should expect much conversation from me until after my first cup of coffee.
My 16½-year-old cat, Lotus, has been known to make a guest appearance during telehealth sessions. She has signed a very strict HIPAA confidentiality agreement and has promised not to share anything she hears. Mostly, she's just looking for cuddles.
I love documentaries, autobiographies, and trying to understand why people think the way they do... so yes, psychology really is my thing.
And yes... I'm a Housewives fan. We don't have to agree on which city is the best, but we can certainly discuss it if you need a lighter topic before diving into the heavier stuff.
One Last Thought:
Finding a therapist is a personal decision, and I know it can feel overwhelming. My hope is that whether we end up working together or not, you find someone who helps you feel safe, understood, and genuinely supported.
If you've made it this far and you're thinking, "I think I'd like talking with her," I'd love the opportunity to meet you.